NMHS
Q: What steps have you taken to improve the quality of the online experience for our students?
A: We have conducted surveys for students and staff. This information has been reviewed and shared with our building administration, Department Liaisons and Director of Curriculum, Ms. Odoksta. We used this feedback to plan a Summer Professional Development Training for staff in addition to our four days of professional learning that will take place the week of September 1st through the 4th. Finally, we have created norms and expectations for both students and staff which will provide the support needed to succeed remotely.
Q: What if we want to opt for 100% remote learning? If we choose this option, and a student needs extra help, how do they get it?
A: Extra help will take place during office hours from 1:20-2:55pm. Please have your child email their teacher to set up a Google Meet. It is also recommended that they copy their guidance counselor/CST counselor on the email to ensure everyone is aware.
Q: What is the classroom set up?
A: All classroom doors will be propped open to reduce touch points. Hand sanitizer will be required to use when entering the classroom. Rows will be spaced and separated with all students facing forward with shields. We will do our best to keep numbers to 15 or below, with 3 rows of 5 with middle rows empty.
Q: Will the children be moving in between classes? How many classes do students have per day?
A: Yes, students will be attending 7 classes per day.
Q: Just to confirm, each student will attend once every 6 days. Is that correct?
A: Yes.
Q: Will remote learning instruction be conducted by their teacher via Google Meet live everyday other than the day the student is in school?
A: Yes.
Q: What will remote learning look like? Synchronous as before? Zooms or Google Meets? Will there be assignments for students to complete?
A: Remote learning will look very similar to what took place during the end of the 2019-2020 school year. It will be synchronous for all students. The majority of the teachers will use Google Meets, while some may choose Zoom on occasion. Students will be expected to complete assignments, especially on the day that their online teacher is reporting to NMHS.
Q: Will there be a Zero period for Band and Orchestra?
A: Zero Period will take place, but not at 7am. Students will attend virtually between the times of 1:20-2:55pm. Classes will be approximately 32 minutes long and will be scheduled by the staff members. This schedule will be shared with you in the coming weeks.
Q: How will science labs be conducted? Will that be on the days when students are in the building?
A: Science labs will continue to take place virtually.
Q: If students are in school, how will they know what's going on in their regularly scheduled class online?
A: Students will have the opportunity to attend their virtual class while attending school. This is why we are requesting that every student have wired headphones so they can plug in and attend classes while in the building. It gives the student the flexibility to choose what is most important at that specific time.
Q: Will students be required to keep their cameras on during synchronous, remote learning?
A: Students will not be required to keep their cameras for the duration of the session when working remotely. However, it is vital to the functionality of online learning that students initially acknowledge with camera on and respond to when addressed by teacher or group members. A list of online expectations for both students and teachers will be shared with you all to ensure we support our students' learning.
Q: Can students opt to switch from a fully remote learning to a hybrid learning program (combination of in-person and remote learning) later in the semester depending on a change in their comfort level as the year progresses? What if we start the year in a cohort, in and out of school every few days, but then over time decide to go back to entirely remote. Is this permitted?
A: Students can opt for fully remote learning at anytime. The student would need to email the Principal, Mr. Manuppelli, and their respective guidance counselor to ensure everyone is aware of the change in program.
Q: So to clarify, every two weeks or so, there will be one day where the entire school is online (remote) for the entire day?
A: Yes, once numbers are finalized. This will be done to have the staff members check in periodically with all students and whole classes at the same time.
Q: How is transportation for athletics going to be handled for away games?
A: Transportation for athletics is still under discussion. When more information is made available from the State with regard to athletic competition, we will share guidelines for transportation.
Q: Once the results of the survey questionnaire are in and the number of students is drastically lower, will the number of in school days be increased?
A: Once we receive the official count of students attending in-person learning, we will review our schedule and make adjustments if necessary.
Q: Are the 9th graders using the same Chromebooks they were sent home with from 8th grade?
A: Yes, the incoming 9th Grade students will utilize the Chromebooks assigned to them at DEO. If a student was not assigned a Chromebook, they should email support@nmpsd.org.
Q: Will children be able to access services with Ms. Zacher?
A: Yes. Mrs. Zacher and all of our NMHS Support Services will be available either in person or virtually depending on the specific day. This includes CST members, Guidance Counselors, and Care Plus Representatives.
Q: Will rooms, specifically desks, be sanitized between periods?
A: Yes, rooms will be scheduled in such a manner that students and staff will walk into a sanitized room each period. Each staff member will utilize two rooms which will allow the custodians to effectively clean each period.
Q: How will staff bathrooms be cleaned/sanitized during the school day?
A: Mr. Pierro, our Director of Buildings and Grounds, as well as our Head Custodian, Mr. DeGuzman, are modifying staff schedules to have more custodians present during the day to coordinate cleaning. There will be scheduled cleaning cycles with statements of assurance.